Home · 2017 Ford Fusion Hev · Complaints

What 1,081 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Ford Fusion Hev

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (1,081)Crash / fire / injury (53)Engine (355)Transmission & drivetrain (302)Engine & cooling (130)Electrical system (125)Brakes (99)Steering (57)Fuel system (36)Airbags (35)Wheels (27)Visibility & wipers (17)

125 of 1,081 complaints match · Electrical system · clear filters · page 1 of 5

Jul 22, 2025Electrical systemEngine

What malfunctioned- Car did not give any notice that it was in engine failure for months other than under performing and upon taking it to the ford dealership was never helped with the problem they took money for an oil change and works package but failed to make sure my car was safe. My car was a safety hazard bc it gave zero warning that it was loosing power and when the engine did fail I knew something had been wrong for almost a year and felt it went ignored by Ford and was taken advantage of. The product has been confirmed by multiple mechanics that what causes it is the hose cracks and thus the engine coolant wrecks a working engine. Ford knows it’s a problem but isn’t acknowledging it and makes more money off of parts.

NHTSA ODI 11675481

May 15, 2025Electrical systemFire

While driving roughly 5mph leaving from being parked for over 1.5 hours the hybrid battery caught/ control module caught on fire. Causing part of the truck carpet to catch fire. Since there was someone in the backseat that quickly felt the heat they turned the car off and stopped. The fire was put out. We end having it towed to the ford dealership that could not identify the reason it caught on fire. This is a known issue but the recall only affected 2 days of production.

NHTSA ODI 11661325

Apr 12, 2025Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemFuel system

I believe my 2017 ford fusion should be included in the recall for the BECM for the 2019-2020 because my charging port has a sticker with QR code and ( CD391 PHEV ) and I keep having intermittent problems with the Battery Energy Control Module

NHTSA ODI 11654262

Mar 17, 2025Electrical system

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while using the key fob to start the vehicle, the heat on the front driver's seat and steering wheel failed to operate as intended. The contact manually depressed the button to turn on the heat. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed that the instrument cluster and APIM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, White Bear Lincoln, Inc. (3425 Hwy 61 N, St Paul, MN 55110) who diagnosed that the instrument cluster and APIM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance in covering the cost of the repair. The contact was informed that the warranty had expired and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 11,768.

NHTSA ODI 11648737

Jan 22, 2025Electrical systemSeats

I obtained my vehicle on Lease in 2017 with 40K miles from Ford of Branford CT. When off lease I purchased it outright. I still own the vehicle and am still having Two main problems, One since almost the beginning. The First is the automatic seat control(driver's). This system would periodically push the driver into the Steering Wheel. I brought it into that dealership several times for that reason, while still in CT. They did claim to get it to stop doing this with some resets, but over time it continued. Around 2020, the vehicle began going totally dead. Initially it was determined to be the Starting Battery. My concern was it to ba a Compiter or Power drain problem. Several batteries and Dealership visits didn't solve it. I moved to SC in May 2022. These problems continued there, where Cox Ford of Southern Pines took over. After more Service visits the only answer was a BAD BATTERY. Recently, after returning from Vacation and having to jump start the vehicle two times, I had several conversations with the service department. Finally a new Service writer found some information. A Technical Service Bulletin described how in this vehicle, how under seat wiring for the automatic seats, were becoming frayed and shorting on metal rails.(182025A). Also another for Battery Drain (SSM 50250). My Automotive background (which I no longer do) Tells me that electric seat wiring, grounding against seat rails could cause the Battery to be Draining. I believe they could be connected.

NHTSA ODI 11637769

Dec 31, 2024Electrical systemEngineFuel system

There is a recall on 2017 Ford Fusion's torque converter. I currently have a 2017 Ford Fusion. After inspection at a Ford service dealership, the "torque converter clutch internally failed filling the transmission filter with metal debris and starving the pump for fluid causing debris to go throughout the transmission." The problem with this, is that even though it's list as a recall for ,y specific car, the recall is not listed under my VIN number. This inspection was done on December 17, 2024. The safety of myself and children were put at risk when my car hesitated to accelerate on multiple occurrences on busy roads and intersections. The problem has been reproduced by a Ford dealer and has also been inspected by a Ford service dealership. There were no warning lights on indicating that there was a problem.

NHTSA ODI 11633352

Dec 11, 2024Electrical system

The 12v battery on my 2017 Fusion Energi titanium has failed every 6-10 months since buying the car new. Each failure is at best, inconvenient and expensive, however on multiple occasion it resulted a dangerous situation that compounded, knocking out fuses for components which manage power steering and other components. It was extremely difficult to pull over safely with my two young children and we were left stranded until we had a replacement battery delivered on the freeway. Ford knows this is a problem and says that it’s because the car is designed without a alternator and then changed the warranty coverage on the batteries from 3 to 2 years because of how much money they’ve been losing on replacements with warranty tolling.

NHTSA ODI 11630232

Sep 9, 2024Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact connected the battery to the charger and the dead cell warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the battery failed to charge. The contact stated that even though the vehicle was not started, the gear shifter independently switched from park and reverse. The contact stated when the vehicle started, the vehicle rolled backwards several feet. The contact stated that the failure almost caused him to be pinned up against the wall of the garage, where the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that he used the parking brake to stop the vehicle from moving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 33,500.

NHTSA ODI 11613467

Aug 20, 2024Electrical systemLightsBrakes

My brakes are faulty sometimes I’m not able to stop like I should. I also have transmission problems. When I put the car into reverse or drive I hear a loud boom. It is getting worse by the day. I see that the transmission is on a recall as well.

NHTSA ODI 11609596

Jul 16, 2024Electrical system

Shift system failure. 2023 replace plastic piece that was not a recall on 27 but was a recall on all other models. Last week shift system failure $706 to replace shifter picked up car Saturday. Today car is being towed back for shift system failure again. Car will not go out of park. I have all receipts and invoices from.

NHTSA ODI 11602779

Apr 24, 2024Electrical system

I purchased this vehicle in late 2017 and immediately experienced an electrical issue that de-charged the battery. It was less than two weeks after my initial purchase. Since then, I have been stranded several times, inconvenienced, and frustrated by the level of service I received at Liccardi Ford in Watchung NJ. I have replaced this battery 4 other times since the initial replacement. This is clearly an electrical defect that NO ONE at Ford wishes to acknowledge. Instead of pouring more money into this vehicle or filing a legal claim, I contact the FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS LINE (Spoke with someone name William) who failed to be considerate of my particular situation. This has been happening to me as a Ford customer for 7 years!!!!. In that time frame, I replaced the battery 5 times. That is not normal. I would to report that this is a defect and a recallable issues. Ford should have accepted this issue as a recallable defect years ago. Please see this and many other reported electrical issues with the Ford Fusion: [XXX] Any support would be greatly appreciated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11585048

Apr 22, 2024Electrical system

The shift dial (park, neutral, drive, reverse), makes a continuous spin noise like it's stuck and trying to turn, but can't. This is the second time this is happening. I had it fixed the first time at the Ford dealership, and was short one year in the Recall group. 2017 year should have been included in that recall. After they fixed it, now the issue has returned. This issue results in the driver not being able to move in reverse. Therefore, you're stuck and unable to back up if needed. There are no warning lights. The only warning you get is when the rattling noise starts.

NHTSA ODI 11584373

Feb 23, 2024Electrical systemBrakesEngine

Manufacturer Recall Number23S12 NHTSA Recall Number23V162 Recall on my vehicle Ford has failed to attempt remedy as of December 2023.

NHTSA ODI 11573680

Nov 21, 2023Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

I purchased a used car from a dealership in Orlando, FL, on May 5th this year. The vehicle has been experiencing a recurring issue of a battery drain, and despite multiple visits to authorized Ford service centers and leaving the car with the dealership for repairs, the problem persists. My ability as a customer to work and move around has been severely affected. The dealership claims no liability, but evidence suggests they were aware of the issue before selling the car. The service advisor admitted the problem existed before the purchase, providing repair orders from a different Ford location as proof. Currently, Ford is requesting 15 additional hours of labor for diagnosis, but the dealership refuses to approve it, leaving me with a non-functional vehicle. I suspect the vehicle's Power Control Module needs reprogramming due to a recall (Customer Satisfaction Program 17B38), but the VIN lookup shows no recalls associated with the car despite the model, year, plant city, build dates, as well as the reason for the recall matching. I, as the customer, am unable to use the purchased product, and Ford refuses to provide me with a response or any resolution as they “will not do anything until those 15 hours of labor = $3000 are not approved”, at the same time, financial constraints prevent me from approving the needed labor hours for diagnosis. Customer Satisfaction Program 17B38 Reason for this program: In some of the affected vehicles, if the ignition is briefly powered on and off, the PCM may not complete the shutdown process. As a result, the PCM will remain powered which results in excessive current draw and can lead to a drained battery. Affected vehicles Vehicle: Fusion Model Year: 2017 Plant City: Hermosillo Build Dates: 10/16/2015 - 08/02/2017

NHTSA ODI 11556260

Nov 5, 2023Electrical system

The Rotary "Dial Shifter" keeps coming on while the vehicle is turned off as well as making a gear sound saying it's not in park when it is. I have had the vehicle for a month and I've had to jump the car 5 times already as it will come on and stay on. I looked it up and some fushions were recalled for it with the issue of that and the cd player and rear speakers making noise. Trying to see if another recall can be issued on more of the fusions.

NHTSA ODI 11553648

Sep 27, 2023Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

1. Gear shift jammed (from 3 months of owning my car, until now -4 yrs). 2. Stop Safely Now Caution Light on. Vechile stops, then shuts off, can't turn it back on until about 20 minutes, Maybe Transmission? I am highly displeased! The transmission started to kick when this "Stop Safely Light" appeared. I could have been in a car accident.

NHTSA ODI 11546979

Sep 19, 2023Electrical systemSpeed controlEngine

Turbocharger leaked oil into the engine causing irreparable damage to the engine. Oil leaking cause engine failure, smoke coming out of the tailpipe, several blown gaskets and steering wheel malfunction. Cars computer system froze, enabling vehicle to move forward. Motor mounts were faulty, loose and unstable. Grinding sounds coming from wheels, vehicle alignment is unsteady. Issues with this vehicle previously reported under NHTSA ID #11534780 updated information being reported after repairs have been repaired.

NHTSA ODI 11545312

Sep 18, 2023Electrical systemSpeed controlFuel system

1). 3 days after purchasing the vehicle I wasn't sure but I could tell that something was wrong so I called my husband and told him while driving the car that something was wrong and he needs to notify the dealership. 2). 5 days after purchasing the vehicle I went into a grocery store. When I came out the car was on/running, all by itself. 3). Additional problems occurring on a daily basis with the vehicle which lets me know that it's electrical problems are as follows: A. The vehicle randomly turns on and off all by itself, this is very hazardous. B). The headlights also randomly do not work while driving the car, day or night, which is very hazardous for both me and my clientele, as I am a Lyft driver. C). The interior lighting on the console and dashboard become dim or do not turn on at all, day or night. D). While driving the vehicle it does not always accelerate properly, which is very hazardous in traffic. E). The Bluetooth system connects and disconnects itself randomly. F). The air and heating system randomly turn on and off without being touched. G). Charging my phone in the vehicle is also challenging as it does not always work. H). Bluetooth radio stereo system is continuously problematic, volume randomly increases and decreases and turns on and off by itself, even with the vehicle completely shut down. I). After locking the doors, everything inside the car does not completely turn off. Interior lighting sometimes turns off and on separately, and it can take up to 30 minutes for the dashboard lighting to go off. J). The instrument panel often makes some sort of sound/noise and the gear shifter dial will aluminate even though the car is off/completely shut down. K). While driving, front windshield defogger will randomly turns on, causing the windshield to fog up, distorting vision, which is very hazardous. L). Dashboard vents emit an extreme amount of heat even though both heater and air conditioner are completely off.

NHTSA ODI 11545086

Aug 10, 2023EngineElectrical system

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while reversing from a the driveway, the vehicle was sputtering as if the cylinders had misfired. When the vehicle was shifted into drive, there was slow acceleration. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that spark plugs misfire in cylinder 2. The independent mechanic advised the contact to go to the dealer because it was an engine issue. The vehicle was driven to the dealer where it was diagnosed that a spark plug misfire in cylinder 2. The vehicle was not repaired due to a fee. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer under Warranty. The failure mileage was 98,500.

NHTSA ODI 11537728

Jul 27, 2023Electrical systemBrakesEngine

My car started smoking out of nowhere, smoke was coming out of the tail pipe. My cars check engine light begin to blink. The whole entire car begin to shake. It was making a rattling sound, the car begin to slow down on its own, even though I was pressing the gas. It wouldn’t go any faster than 65 miles an hour as the car begin to shake and make a loud rattling noise. My AC went out all of a sudden this was two hours after getting it serviced.

NHTSA ODI 11534780

Jul 5, 2023Electrical systemBrakes

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The component that failed is the vacuum pump in a ford hybrid car model 2017. Yes is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?Is a big risk for me and others because is related to the brake system Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes the problem was diagnosed and confirmed by Ford car agency in SLP Mexico Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No only by the Ford agency in SLP Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes a red message was showed indicating review brake system, and the brake hand be activated when I was driving, I got this message at April 18th 2023, I pay to the ford car agency to review and they indicated that it was a sensor that dos not work so they reprogrammed it, then on June 27th the warning message appear again, then I reach the ford car agency and now they are telling me that the vacuum pump is failing and needs to be replaced

NHTSA ODI 11530389

Jul 2, 2023Electrical systemEngineFuel system

Car dies and fuel tank honks all the time even while putting gas in it won’t start or will die it happens at red lights all the time I have a hard time grit to start back up it’s very dangerous

NHTSA ODI 11529964

May 17, 2023Electrical systemAirbagsSeat beltsCrash

On or about January 2023, I noticed the airbag light come on my vehicle's dashboard. I didn't notice anything else that may have suggested what was wrong or what caused the light to come on. On February 6, 2023, I took the car to a Ford dealership to be inspected (the car had less than 60,000 miles and was about 6 years old at the time). After an inspection, I was told that the "Restraint Control Module" (RCM) had failed and that the part I needed was on national backorder. I asked the sales person if this meant that my airbags wouldn't deploy in an accident. His answer was unclear, and he said that "the airbags would at least not deploy unintentionally". On May 6, 2023, I was involved in an accident and the airbags did NOT deploy. I am unsure if there was enough force during the accident that would have caused the airbags to deploy, or whether they should have deployed but did not due to the bad RCM component. Today, May 17, 2023, my car is currently being repaired at an auto body shop. I called Ford's customer service because I am concerned about driving with potentially non-working airbags. I was told that the part I need (HS7Z14B321H) is still on national backorder and may take at least two more months to be back in stock. Ford recommended filing a report with NHTSA. I feel that the car is not safe to drive and I am concerned for the safety of myself and passengers. Please let me know if you have any additional questions or recommend any solutions to resolve this situation. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA ODI 11522539

Apr 26, 2023BrakesTransmission & drivetrainElectrical system

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission shifted out of gear unintendedly. The contact stated that the passenger's and driver's side windows failed to operate as needed. The contact also noticed excessive fluid underneath the vehicle. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who performed unknown repairs to the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11519050

Apr 25, 2023Service Brakes, AirElectrical systemEngine

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and required to be jumpstarted. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. The contact stated that the failure mostly occurred while coming to a complete stop. The contact stated that on some occasions, the ABS warning light would illuminate and the ABS would make abnormal sounds prior to the failure; on other occasions, the check engine warning light was illuminated and a message indicating that the vehicle was overheating was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed three times out of the five to a Cadillac dealer and a Ford dealer. The dealers replaced the water pump, the alternator and an unknown part; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would lose electrical power while the battery was fully charged. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) that he related to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11518935

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Working with the data? Download all 1,081 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 19, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2017 Ford Fusion Hev verdict →